[MLS] Months of haggling and negotiations have ended with goalkeeper Joe Cannon signing a new deal with San Jose that gives him less money and more security.

The Quakes had declined to pick up the option on his contract for 2009, which would have paid him about $225,000 this season, and instead offered a guaranteed deal at a lower salary. How much the team has saved isn't known precisely, but it is believed Cannon's salary will be roughly equivalent to that of defender Nick Garcia, who signed a new contract last month for a salary of $190,000. Cannon's new deal is for three years, with the first two years guaranteed.

"We have always wanted Joe Cannon back in an Earthquakes uniform," said general manager of soccer operations John Doyle. "He had an excellent year in 2008 and we expect him to continue to play at a high level in 2009 and beyond."

Cannon, 34, played every minute of every game in 2008. He led MLS in saves with 124, recorded nine shutouts and posted a goals-allowed average of 1.27 per game, fifth best in the league among keepers who played in at least 15 games.

He began his MLS career with the Quakes in 1999 and played in Colorado and Los Angeles before returning to San Jose prior to the 2008 expansion season. He has been named MLS Goalkeeper of the Year twice: in 2002 with San Jose and 2004 with Colorado, and is among the all-time league leaders in several categories: shutouts (65, second), wins (92, fifth), and goals-allowed average (1.30, seventh).

"I am happy to commit to playing more years in front of my friends and family and the great fans in the Bay Area," said Cannon, a crowd favorite who played his college ball at Santa Clara University, where the Quakes play most of their home games. "I am looking forward to the start of the season."

Cannon played in both San Jose games at the Central Coast Showcase last weekend: a 3-2 win over Seattle and a 2-0 victory against Houston.